April 27, 2021
The City of Howellâs Community Development Director is departing.
At Monday nightâs Council virtual meeting, City Manager Paul DeBuff announced that Tim Schmitt is moving on and has put in his notice. Schmitt has been with the City for roughly 6-and-a-half years.
The City website states the department facilitates and promotes high-quality growth and development. Itâs responsible for coordinating long-range planning, current planning and zoning, code enforcement, building inspections, economic development, neighborhood development, and brownfield redevelopment. The department also provides support to the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the City Manager.
It was stated during the meeting that it will likely take several months to try and find someone to fill Schmittâs spot as it is a very specialized kind of role and the City is currently recruiting now. In the meantime, the City will be working with a c
Howell city officials are considering creating a social district, as is Brighton.
Several communities in the state have taken advantage of state legislation passed last summer. Michigan established social district permits that allow businesses to sell alcohol to customers who then consume it in public spaces such as sidewalks and parks within the boundaries of the social district.
Howell City Manager Paul DeBuff said city staff, Howell Main Street, Inc. and the Howell Downtown Development Authority have been working on a plan. The city council is expected to discuss the potential social district at 7 p.m. Monday. It s kind of a trendy thing happening across the country, DeBuff said during an April 12 meeting of the city council.
April 13, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The City of Howell is the latest community to explore the possibility of creating a social district.
Council met virtually Monday night, where City Manager Paul DeBuff stated staff has been discussing the possibility of creating a social district, sometimes called a refreshment district, which expands the legally allowed area for alcohol consumption within boundaries usually defined by signs. Under a new permit law through the state, a municipality can set up a social district where alcohol can be sold by licensed establishments to customers who can then consume the beverages within the commons area of the district. DeBuff noted it would likely be downtown but the district can really be set up anywhere, with some statutory guidelines to follow. He said usually plastic cups are involved with logos and no glass and some districts are typically open in the evenings Thursday through Sunday.
March 11, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Discussions about managing the park and boat launch will be taking place between the City of Howell and the Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority over the next couple of weeks.
The City contracts with the Authority to run Scofield Park and the Thompson Lake boat launch for around $45,000. The Authority is responsible for manning the guard booth and handles pavilion rentals, which goes on year-round. It also manages the distribution of annual park passes for City residents and other participating municipalities that include Marion, Howell, Oceola, and Genoa Townships.
The City is facing significant budget challenges and has been looking at different ways to save money. Following earlier budget work sessions, Council gave City Manager Paul DeBuff direction to look into having the City take over management duties in-house for a rough savings of around $25,000. It costs the City around $160,00
February 24, 2021 By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
An agreement has been approved for the potential sale of property in the City of Howell where a large motorsport and racing track project is being proposed.
During an online meeting Monday night, Council approved an agreement between the City and JD Racing Indoor Karting LLC for the Highland-Howell property that totals 216-acres along I-96 between Lucy Road and Michigan Avenue, as well as two additional parcels to the north. The City has been actively marketing the main property for the past six years. Itâs unclear what current plans look like but during an initial pitch to Council indoor and outdoor karting was described as a small aspect of the overall multi-use development that would be predominantly surrounded by high-end garage condos and a full size track for club members and availability for special events. No comments were made by JD Racing representatives at the meeting.